Unauthorized Mexican immigrant pleads guilty to raping 15-year-old Paterson girl
By Jonathan Greene
Published: March 9, 2021
An unauthorized Mexican immigrant has pleaded guilty to coercing and enticing a 15-year-old Paterson girl.
Juan Carlos Morales-Pedraza, 34, of Paterson, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to coercion and enticement of a minor and of illegally re-entering the United States after having previously been deported, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig’s Office.
Morales-Pedraza approached the 15-year-old girl in Passaic County on April 13, 2019. Two days later he engaged in sexual intercourse with the victim and left New Jersey en route to Illinois. He admitted he planned to engage in sexual conduct with the victim in Illinois.
Morales-Pedraza was arrested in Ohio by state troopers. He faces 22 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for July 14, 2021.